Glorious! The Knickerbocker Hotel Locks In a Top Chef

Given its storied history, (host to John D. Rockefeller; birthplace of the original martini) we expected soon-to-be-restored-and-reopened Knickerbocker Hotel to be pulling out a few big collaborator names. And so we're not entirely surprised to hear that the hotel has grabbed one of the country's top chefs to oversee its entire food and beverage program.

Charlie Palmer, who is a hotelier as well as a master chef will be in charge of the Knickerbocker’s fourth-floor signature restaurant and bar, a ground-floor café, and rooftop lounge. Hotel guests will also get priority access and "preferential treatment" at Palmer’s flagship restaurant, the Michelin-starred Aureole, just around the corner on 42nd Street.

Here's what Palmer has to say:

“Cooking in the U.S. has changed dramatically since The Knickerbocker Hotel opened at the dawn of Manhattan’s Golden Era. While drawing inspiration from the history of The Knickerbocker Hotel, fused with the melting pot culture of New York, we’re developing unique menus that cater to today’s discerning palates. The various dining establishments will offer hotel guests and New York locals a contemporary take on classic American cocktails and dishes, complemented by my progressive American cooking style.”

The 330-room Knickerbocker will open this summer. No word on rates yet, but we're guessing the $400 a night range.